1998 Jeep Wrangler problems

Filed Feb 2, 2023 · OH

Frame started showing signs of rusted out frame in 2003 when the transmission skid weld nuts in the bottom of the frame rusted out as well as the body side step weld nuts in the frame. In 2010, 3 or the 4 rear axle control arms broke free from the frame causing brake lines to fail while driving. I was able to use parking brake and downshifting manual transmission to get home. I was lucky that the rear axle didn't completely separate or the failed brake cause a serious accident. The TJ frames are poorly designed with no drainage causing them to rust from the inside out.

Filed Apr 16, 2021 · Airbags, Electrical · MD

Airbag light come on and speedo and tach stops working. Vehicle has not been in an accident and this is occuring on numerous jeeps of this year. Why has there not been a recall? If something isn't done about this I will be getting a lot of jeep owners together and filing a class action lawsuit!! It is a serious safety problem. I just purchased the vehicle and after researching this its happening to the majority on this years wranglers

Filed Aug 10, 2020 · Body · FL

Jeep wrangler frames rust from inside out due to moisture getting in through upper part of frames where their are holes and settling to lower part of frame where their are no drain holes. Their may have not been an issue if jeep had just put in drain holes in lower part of frame. It is a common problem in 1997 through 2006 jeep wranglers. I have this issue.

Filed Aug 27, 2019 · Suspension · 178,000 miles · KY

Jeep tj frame separated at the torsion bar on passenger rear wheel making vehicle unstable and un- usable.

Filed Aug 24, 2019 · 160,000 miles · CT

My frame is rotting out fast and furious, I've already had to replace sections, the upper and lower controls arms have ripped off, the body fell threw the mounts, paid to have that fixed

Filed Jan 5, 2019 · Body, Brakes · 69,000 miles · GA

I have a 1998 jeep wrangler. I've owned my jeep for 15 years. It has been garage kept. We were changing the shocks a few weeks ago and noticed severe rust damage. The frame is rusting from the inside out. It's severe. Years before I was traveling down a 2 land rd and had to press my brakes harder than I usually would due to a car pulling out in front of me. At that moment I blew a brake line. I could not get my vehicle stopped. Luckily it's a 5 speed. I geared down as fast as I could and managed to pull it off the main road onto a hill to get it stopped. After inspecting my vehicle I found severe damage. The motors mounts are barely there. The part where the frame mounts to the body is actually missing one due to rusting completely out. Every single bolt and nut is rusted. Every single square inch of the frame is rusted. The problem is that jeep poorly designed the frame with side holes for water and dirt to enter but did not design it with drainage holes on the bottom of the frame. Water and dirt enter and never leave. It's extremely unsafe to drive. I've read thousands of complaints online and this is a very common problem.

Filed May 7, 2018 · Body · 92,000 miles · PA

Had to replace the frame due to left rear rusted through the whole frame, just a small amount of the frame was left. Other areas had rust eating threw the frame, and in a matter of time would have failed!!!.

Filed Dec 27, 2017 · Suspension · 96,000 miles · PA

"tj wrangler frame rust" - severe rust occurred in the frame of my 1998 jeep wrangler. Vehicle would no longer pass pa state inspection. Rust was due to no drainage hole and frame rusted from inside out. Rust occurred on both driver and passenger sides just in front of the rear control arms and extended front to the transfer case mounting points. I have researched this issue and it is very common and many poor jeep owners are parting out perfectly good jeeps due to them not being able to pass state inspections - luckily no one has been harmed due to this frame damage that I am aware of - some videos on the internet show the entire frame rusted away! This needs to be brought to the attention of jeep as this is obvious a design flaw and owners should be compensated. If there is any doubt of how severe this is simple do a google search! Toyota took care of their customers!!!

Filed Oct 10, 2017 · Body · 126,000 miles · AL

I have an excessive amount of frame rust and my vehicle has less than 150xxx miles and this is a severe safety hazard. I have read that there are many people who have experienced this and I am wanting to know what you guys could do to resolve this issue. I bought this vehicle and I do not want to resale because I do not want to sell it in this condition and I want to keep it but I also do not want to drive because of this. There's a lot of life left in this vehicle and it only has 126xxx miles so I need help

Filed Aug 9, 2017 · 132,000 miles · OH

On my 1998 jeep wrangler sport, chrysler put a hole in the frame to access the rear sway arm bolt and when they did that it let water , dirt, salt etc into the frame and cause the frame to rot from the inside out. I have researched the problem and many people seem to have the same one I want to put the word out to have it fix because if it was to break while driving your jeep it can cost someone there life. Mine has yet to do so because I seen it in time and want something done about it a recall is needed to fix the problem